Online Casino Gambling

America is currently in the midst of turmoil when it comes to online gambling, with just as many states wanting to ban the gambling pastime as those who want to legalize it. As Utah and Washington officials see rising support against allowing online gambling to come to their states, it has been revealed that a US tribal casinos network could be established to link Native American groups from 28 American states.

Atlantic Internet Group Corp (ATIG) Announce Tribal Intranet Gaming

Nevada based ATIG have revealed that they have launched an intranet gaming network within some of their tribal casinos. In what is believed to be the first instance of legal intranet gambling in North America, the Louisiana based Coushatta Indian Casino and the California located Coyote Valley Casino have signed agreements with ATIG for joining the network.

Tribal Gaming Network History

First founded in 2009, the Tribal Gaming Network was allowed to go ahead after the National Indian Gaming Commission authorized operations to go ahead. The gaming network itself offers a wide variety of games after ATIG worked alongside some of the leading online gaming suppliers to offer a range of online, Class III and Class II titles. This means that those using the network can access online live dealer games, simulated sports betting, virtual horse racing, slot titles, table games and nationwide poker. In addition, the Tribal Gaming Network is only the second provider to offer gamers access to a Lotto product using a Powerball theme.

Tribal Gaming Falls Outside of Online Gambling Regulations

Strictly speaking, the Tribal Gaming Network falls outside of regular online gambling regulations because, in order to access the network, players must actually be physically present in a casino which is connected to the intranet. Once players are within a casino, they can access ATIG’s gaming platform in a number of ways, including via kiosks, slot machines, Samsung Tablets and Android mobile phones. A few of the network’s games can even be played on Apple’s iPhone. This means of access has been described by ATIG as a casino within a casino, and the company has said that it could offer a prosperous future in server-based gambling.

ATIG Leads the Move towards Legitimate Online Gambling

Alongside ATIG, many casino companies have been preparing for online gambling legislation for a number of years, producing play-for-free and play-for-fun websites which could be turned into real money websites in the future. ATIG has been producing such websites since 2003 and is now said to be the leader in the march towards online gambling. The Tribal Gaming Network, whilst operating on an intranet, allows for real money wagering on all titles and games apart from bingo, and could be seen as a crucial company for others to reflect upon online gambling success.

Utah Look to Ban Online Gaming

However, whilst the Tribal Gaming Network has managed to exploit a loophole in online gambling, many American states continue to see conflict between those who want to allow the online enterprise and those who want to stop it from occurring entirely. The latter opinion is the case in Utah, where Republican Representative Stephen Sandstrom is seeking a total ban on online gambling even if future federal laws allow it. His latest bill, HB108, was held to a vote on February 21^st, 2012, with 61 in favor and 9 who were opposed. With the bill now passed in the House, it will go for Senate approval and, if being passed at this higher level, could ban online gambling within the state indefinitely, even if national legislation comes into force at a later time.

HB108’s Opt-out Clause

Many of the opponents against the HB108 bill being passed argued that because federal legislation will have to include an opt-out clause, there would be no need for such an individual Utah bill. However, USA Congress running candidate Sandstrom countered the attack by saying that opt-out clauses normally had a 60 day period, after which time the moment to decide against national legislation would be missed. With unforeseen delays possibly acting upon the opt-out opportunity, his HB108 bill would safeguard against a situation where legalized online gambling could come to the state of Utah by default. If the bill is passed by the Senate, Washington DC will be immediately informed that Utah will play no part in future online gambling even if federal approval is made. And, with the region already banning all forms of gambling under its state constitution, it is likely that the Senate will pass the upcoming bill.

Iowa Faces Public and Official Dispute

Whilst Utah may see its officials campaigning against online gambling, the opposite is true in Iowa where it has been found that it is members of the public who are not in favor of legalizing the online enterprise. On February 20^th, 2012, lawmakers in the state passed a bill at Senate sub-committee level, providing the foundations for online poker websites to be established that would be regulated in the same fashion as casinos based in bricks and mortar venues. However, a poll of 800 adult residents in the state of Iowa discovered that 69per cent of people don’t actually want online gambling to be given the go ahead; a very similar figure to a survey taken in February 2011 which showed that 73per cent of citizens were against online gambling legislation. Meanwhile, 28per cent said that they were in favor, whilst 3per cent said that they were undecided.

Second Thoughts for Washington’s Councilor Brown

Finally, in Washington DC, it has been revealed that Councilor Michael A. Brown seems to be showing uncertainly regarding trying to bring about another bill to allow online gambling. A bill has already been passed on the issue which was then later repealed after officials said that it had managed to sneak through by default. Whilst Brown was one of the lead officials in getting this bill passed, it has now been reported that he feels Congress will bring fresh attempts to block an online gambling bill should he create one, leading to many believing that Washington DC too will not allow online gambling to occur in the near future.

Online gambling continues to draw a lot of attention from the media across the world as authority’s look to place regulations and restrictions around the online sector. Whilst some nations have flatly refused to make it legal for online gambling operations to start up, others are now rising to the challenge of creating complex legislation to regulate the industry. An increasing problem for some countries is that though they don’t allow online gambling themselves, residents can access websites which operate from other countries. And now, the Danish Gambling Authority, Antigua and Barbuda and the European Union have revealed their latest steps in online regulation.

Antigua and Barbuda Begin U.S Dispute

Antigua and Barbuda is the oldest regulatory jurisdiction in the world. They have now revealed that an eight year dispute with the U.S is to be resurrected in relation to online gambling, with Harold Lovell, Finance and Economy Minister, saying on February 15^th 2012, that they would seek for the United Stares to honor an agreement previously agreed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The dispute largely stems from a WTO ruling in favor of Antigua which the US has refused to adhere to, with Antigua saying that America must be made to tow the line.

U.S Laws against Online Gambling Illegal

Antigua claims that specific state and US Federal laws which make it illegal to allow online gambling are against the WTO’s trade agreements. Whilst the debate has raged for many years, a landmark ruling by the WTO has now concluded that the laws are in violation of the trade treaty obligations that America is supposed to adhere too. In addition, many of the laws are discriminatory and unfair, and stymie business opportunities. The WTO also ruled that the concerns of Antigua online casinos that they’d lost out on American revenue due to the restrictions should be upheld, and asked the United States to offer a compensation package. Speaking of the lack of compliance by the American government, Harold Lovell said that Antigua was adhering to its rules and that the US should be made to do the same.

Danish Gambling Operations Begin

Across the Atlantic, Danish online casino operations have begun after the gambling market opened for business on January 1^st, 2012. Having now legally opened this competitive market, the Danish Gambling Authority have revealed that they intend to encourage whistle blowing as a means to stamp illegal operators out. Drawing up an outline of how consumers can establish whether an online gambling website is illegal or not, the authority have also shown how to report venues and the types of consequences that can be received. They have also supplied a dedicated email for the purpose of reporting illegal operators.

Illegal Gambling Website Indications

Within the documentation, the Danish Gambling Authority has said that an illegal website is one which directs activity directly towards the Danish market. Indicators of this are when a website is in the native Danish language, when a venue accepts Danish currency and when online operators provide Danish speaking customer service. For operators who don’t comply with regulations, operators can expect to receive a notice of contravention, before access to their website is blocked for residents and the website being reported to the police.

European Union Makes Gaming Ruling

As Danish authorities look to stamp out illegal online gambling operations, authorities in Europe are looking to cut the unlawful exclusion of gambling operators by some EU nations.  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that EU countries cannot discriminate against online gambling operators from other European nations wanting to enter their market. The ECJ said that it is against previous regulations for countries to attempt to boost their own market by stymieing the attempts of competition under the pretence of fraud prevention or consumer protection.

Existing Gambling Websites Have an Unfair Advantage

In addition to highlighting regulations when it comes to excluding foreign gambling operators, the ECJ also said that existing operators already had many years of advantage on companies who have been unlawfully left out in the past. Such moves within the industry are in breach of Articles 49 EC and 43 EC, in addition not adhering to equal treatment principals. Finally, the ECJ also said that in a lot of cases, Member States were utilizing the expanding online gambling industry as a means to increase their national revenue. This means that such nations cannot use consumer protection and cracking down on criminal operations as justification for excluding other EU competitors because they are actively pursuing online gaming as a way to provide income in an era of economic uncertainty.

A Glancing Blow for Italy

The news from the ECJ will come as a glancing blow to Italian regulators who have, up until now, excluded a number of online gambling operators from offering gaming to their residents. Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), Sigrid Ligne, said that the latest ruling was very beneficial for the industry as a whole and would let operators have increased access to EU states. Ms Ligne praised the ECJ for highlighting the issue that is was illegal for nations to exclude companies to benefit their own market, in addition to saying that calling upon the European Commission (EC) to crack down on such issues was a positive leap forward.

Stanleybet Set to Benefit

One of the largest online gambling operators, Stanleybet, is set to benefit hugely from the ruling. They have previously seen applications turned down repeatedly from the Italian market as the Italian’s looked to grow their own gambling industry without the threat of other Member State competition. Chief executive officer of Stanleybet, David Purvis, said that they would now be able to enter the Italian market after having three proposals for entry turned down. He adding that the 12 years of legal dispute over the unlawful exclusions had now been set to rest and that Stanleybet looked forward to a prosperous future with operations in Italy as well as its other EU platforms.

It has been announced that, whilst Australia is seeing an upsurge in online gambling, Washington has repealed legislation which will outlaw online gambling for now. Whilst many states in the U.S are trying to push through bills which will allow intrastate online gambling, it was previously reported that just such a bill passed in Washington was set to be repealed. With councilors now having officially voted, the judgment is in, seeing the step into online gambling vetoed.

Washington Repeals Online Gambling Bill

Whilst a law was past a year ago which would allow Washington DC to run intrastate online gambling facilities, the bill has now been repealed. With only two members voting against the repeal, the previous bill was quashed with 10 votes, putting pay to the continuous number of stalls noted in the state as individuals tried to get the online gambling industry up and running. In the same manner as New Jersey, Washington DC almost became the first American state to legalize gambling on the internet, but fell at the very last hurdle.

Gambling Bill Supporters

Two steadfast supporters of the online gambling bill were Councilor Michael A. Brown and Major Vincent C. Gray. Whilst the former did everything in his power to prevent the repeal, including having drafted a replacement compromise bill, Mayor Gray said that he would fully support the bill if the repeal failed.

Further Investigation by Online Gambling Opposition

Though the repeal may have been put through, quashing any legislation which may have previously been legitimized, Councilors Tommy Wells and Jack Evans said that the matter would not end here and that further investigations into lottery contracts would now be looked at. Mr. Wells was particularly outspoken on the subject, expressing that he would be looking in depth at the process of lottery partner selection in regard to the controversial $38m contract. Problems first arose when D.C Inspector General Charles J. Willoughby wrote a report saying that changes had occurred in the city’s lottery contract. Whilst having a formal agreement with Intralot for providing non-traditional games such as the lottery, wording was later replaced with Internet gambling without any councilors being notified. In addition, it was said that Emmanuel S. Bailey, local partner for Intralot, had misrepresented his firms when making the lottery bid.

Whilst a shadow of concern has been put on any online gambling contract, Councilor Brown explained that in the public meetings held on the matter, intrastate gambling had in fact been popular. However, news over the changes in lottery contract had made many councilors repeal previous legislation in favor of starting form scratch. And, though this may indeed by the way for future events, any proposition for online gambling in Washington DC has been severely put back.

Australia Notes Online Gaming Boom

Whilst online gambling legislation plagues America, it has been revealed that on the other side of the world, Australia is seeing its internet based gaming boom. It is now estimated that around $600 million is spent on internet gaming by Australian’s every year, indicating the great demand that residents have for this popular pastime. One of the largest factors believed to behind Australia’s incredible booming gambling industry is the convenience that home gaming offers. Over the past six years, the number of people playing and gambling from home has increased exponentially. However, like many other nations, it is reported that Australian authorities now have to face the difficult challenge of just how to go about regulation.

Gambling Survey

As a means to establish the diversity of people utilizing online gaming in Australia, 6,500 people were questioned in a survey over their patterns and traits of gambling. It was found that those using online services were more likely to be men, and those that are either married or living with a partner. Meanwhile, it was also discovered that the majority of online players tended to have higher incomes than those who visited land-based casinos to gamble. In addition, and unsurprising due to the ease at which games can be played, it was found that those individuals playing online tended to use a wider variety of games than those visiting bricks and mortar casinos.

Gaming Flexibility Key in Australian Industry

It is the last matter which is, in particular, driving the Australian online gambling industry, with gamers more attracted to the option of being able to play in a wider variety of betting arenas. Sports betting was the highest area in demand, whilst casino games and poker came second and third on the list. Between 2004 and 2008, sports betting saw a demand rise of 103%, indicating just how popular it is. With many residents of Australia very keen on cricket, rugby and Aussie rules, it is unsurprising that online sports betting has seen rocketing demand.

Online Poker and Casino Illegality

One of the truly remarkable points of the report, which was produced by Alex Blaszczynski, is that though both online casino game and poker is illegal in Australia, the demand is very high. Part of the boom in online gaming can be attributed to the vast increase in technological advancement, with people being able to gamble on the move through the use of tablet computers, iPads and even smart phones. And, whilst online casinos and poker may be illegal from Australian based operations, with 2,000 gaming sites offered around the world, individuals are still able to access websites and indulge in online gambling.

A Question of Regulation

Australia is now also asking questions over how to regulate the online gambling industry, especially due to millions of dollars being spent at international venues over which they have no control. A leading question is how to ensure that responsible gaming is highlighted, enabling residents to play in a safe manner. And, it is this question that is also being asked throughout America, Europe and many countries across the world. However, whilst authorities continue to try and put safeguards in place to regulate the industry, online gambling remains popular and is set to only grow over the coming months and years.

It was revealed in December 2011 by the US Department of Justice, that individual states wanting to license and regulate gambling on an intrastate level could do so. Whilst some experts have highlighted that the limited pool of gamblers that this allows means that many online operations will simply not be viable, an increasing number of locations have start to make their initial first moves into the online gambling sector. And, as 2012 starts with vigor, Connecticut and Hawaii have both revealed that they plan to start putting legislation in place to allow future online gambling.

Connecticut Forum

One of the first states to venture into online gambling is Connecticut, with a forum planned for Thursday February 9^th. Located at the Connecticut legislative office building and organized by State Senator Joan Hartley and Democrats State Representative Stephan Dargan, the meeting will be an opportunity for individuals to gain information about the pros and cons of the industry and what the market could offer both companies and residents. A range of speakers have been invited, including Mohegan Sun Casino’s Chuck Bunnell, Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Bill Satti, Sportech Inc’s Brooks Pierce and Connecticut Lottery Corporation’s Anne Noble. Meanwhile, Carlos Reinoso, the representative from Connecticut on Problem Gambling and Bob Clark, State Attorney General Office’s representative, will also be present.

Connective Governor D. Malloy has already stated that, whether individuals like it or not, online gambling is coming to the state. He revealed that the problem now was to ensure that legislation was created carefully and considerately.

Hawaii Seeks to Create Gambling Corporation

As Connecticut looks set to embrace online gambling, authorities in Hawaii have put forward a bill to the state House to create a gambling regulatory body. The Hawaii Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation (HILGC), if it goes ahead, will be able to offer online games of skill and chance, ranging from lottery and casino slots to poker games. Whilst real money wagering will only be available for intrastate gambling, the HILGC will also provide free-to-play titles which both residents from Hawaii and visitors to the state will be able to enjoy. In addition, the gambling corporation will be able to host two land based gambling events during each year as a way to attract a number of gambling tourists to the state.

Sponsored by House Speaker Emeritus Joseph Souki, Representative Angus McKelvey and Representative Faye Hanohano, the bill also sets out that the HILGC will have tender its online gaming provider services to a company who can prove that they have haven’t previously offered internet gambling services to American citizens.

Increasing Nevada Casinos Bid for Licenses

It has previously been revealed that many land based casinos in Nevada have already made submissions to have their online gambling activity legalized. Though some casino experts are concerned that the small pool on online gamblers in the state would mean that any internet activity would simply not be viable, this has not stopped bricks and mortar casino owners from putting forward applications.

The latest in this line of application submissions is Fertitta Interactive, who has sought to gain their own online casino license. Fertitta Interactive has a team of experienced gambling experts at its helm, with the company partially owned by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta; the owners of Station Casinos and the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand. Tom Brietling and Tim Poster, previous owners of the Golden Nugget, also have a stake in the company. And, with Fertitta Interactive having bought software provider CyberArts earlier in 2011, they are fully prepared to move into the intrastate online gambling arena.

One of Fertitta Interactive’s founders, Lorenzo Fertitta, spoke of the online gambling regulation, saying that he fully welcomed plans to allow residents to play on the internet. He added that Nevada was known around the world as a leader in gambling regulation, and that they were therefore very happy to file their application within the state. In addition, Fertitta explained that CyberArts had a great track record with complying with global jurisdictions.

Nevada Licenses Gain Steam

The announcement by Fertitta adds to the long line of Nevada based casinos that have already made applications for online gambling licenses to authorities. The extensive list of bricks and mortar venues who have already applied include South Point, Monarch Casino, Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts. Meanwhile, software provides including IGT, Shuffle Master, Cantor Gaming, 888 Holdings, Bally Technologies and Aristocrat Technologies have also made submissions.

Washington Buck’s the Trend

Whilst many states look into ways that they can start their intrastate online gambling, authorities in Washington are set to buck the trend. Though a previous bill was passed allowing online gambling to go ahead, members at the council have revealed that they plan to repeal the previous Districts proposal for online gaming. Chaired by committee member Jack Evans, individuals will review how the first United States bill for online gambling was passed. There is concern that the bill was included on a mandatory budget bill, and was allowed to pass without discussion. Whilst leading online gambling proponents Marion Barry and Michael A. Brown are set to push for the bill to remain, undecided voter Muriel Bowser and critic David A. Catania could see Washington having to start on their online gambling legislation from scratch if the bill is repealed.

Online Gambling Remains Uncertain

Whilst the hype around intrastate online gambling remains, many are still uncertain on how quickly any bills will be passed. Many casinos were expecting to be able to start operations within the first quarter of the year, allowing their bricks and mortar venues’ to offer gambling online as an entirely new industry. However, there remains a lot of conflict between critics and proponents, meaning that ultimately legislation and legalizing bills will not be pushed through with any speed. And, though many companies and gamblers are chomping at the bit to be able to access their footie games online, it seems that residents may be waiting far longer than a mere few months before they can start gambling from the comfort of their own homes.

Online gambling legislation has been a contentious issue for some time, even more so after the incidence in April 2011 which saw many American based gambling venues closed due to them having undertaken fraudulent activities. With countries around the world currently discussing their online gambling regulations, and the U.S in particular mounting bills and process to try and push through new legislation to allow intrastate online gambling, many nations may be on the brink of offering increased access to internet gambling for residents.

UK Seek Online Gambling Direction

In the UK, the United Kingdom Parliamentary Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport are currently having talks in relation to online gambling regulation. With the objective to give the industry some direction of how to regulate the online world, there is particular interest from Gibraltar and Alderney due to the island’s being able to operate and advertise within the British Isles but avoid UK taxes. However, with the UK considering secondary licensing, both islands would discover direct regulations changes, with the spokespeople for each destination having opposing views.

Alderney Authority for Tighter Regulations

In Alderney, the spokesman for the Alderney Gaming Control Authority revealed that they wanted to tighten regulations with immediate affect. Andre Wilsenach said that licensee operations needed to be very carefully assessed before given the go ahead, particularly due to the island’s Full Tilt Poker having been found in violation of its license conditions last year. Alderney’s gambling authority suggested that licensees should be given a risk factor, determined by their financial processing arrangements, the licensing jurisdiction that they were under, where the operators did business and a number of other factors. This would allow online operators with a higher risk to be more closely regulated by auditors, with venues paying the costs of having quarterly auditing conducted.

Gibraltar Concerned with UK’s Lack of Experience

Whilst Alderney calls for more regulation, a spokesman for the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Philip Brear, said that the island was disappointed with UK’s lack of experience. Whilst the UK and Gibraltar have established a gambling relationship, Brear stated that it had not been as productive as hoped for and that, because the UK Gambling Commission had far less regulatory experience than Gibraltar, regulatory changes being talked about could be restrictive.

Gambling Prevalence Statistics

Meanwhile, whilst the talks continue over the direction that UK gambling operating regulations should take, the Gambling Commission has revealed its latest statistics for gambling prevalence. Whilst the UK online gambling market was worth around £1.9bn in 2010, it was shown that most people gamble at overseas establishments. Just one third of those who gambling online use British websites, with the past two years seeing a 19per cent fall in casino games and casino because many UK brands have moved offshore.

U.S Stand on Intrastate Gambling

Meanwhile, in America, concerns have been raised over the legislation of intrastate online gambling. On December 23^rd, 2011, it was revealed that the Department of Justice (DoJ) was considering that intrastate online gambling could be legalized. The gambling industry welcomed this news, with six or so states believing that they would be able to have operations up and running by midway through 2012. However, with only three weeks passed since the DoJ’s comments, many experts are now saying that the authorities view may be far too simplistic, and there is still a long way to go before online gambling can see an American resurge.

Cautionary Note from Gaming Analyst

One of the first notes of concern came from Deutsche Bank gaming analyst, Andrew Zarnett. Preparing a report on the change in online gambling legislation to show investors, Mr. Zarnett expressed that the intrastate legalization had been misplaced and hyped-up by those who wanted to push the changes through. He made it clear to investors that the only change was that there would be a discussion on intrastate gambling, instead on having uncertainly whether talks would occur at all. He added that there had been no clear indication on the forms of gambling which could be legalized, nor how long the legislation process would take. Zarnett also referred to history as showing that, if legislation goes ahead, it is likely to be on a state-by-state basis.

Nevada Attorney Speaks Up

In one of America’s most notorious state’s for gambling, gaming attorney in Las Vegas, Jennifer Carleton, said that the announcement by the DoJ was a step forward to regulating online gambling, even though there were still concerns surrounding the issue. Ms Carleton urged parties to be proactive, attentive and alert in their response to the December findings, though warned that future discussion by the DoJ could reverse the interpretation that many made of the statement made in 2011. For Nevada, steps have already been made to fast tack legislation should it go through, with online poker regulations already being approved on December 22^nd, 2011, in an effort to being intrastate gambling as soon as allowed. Mark Lipparelli, Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman, revealed that ten casino operators, manufacturers and equipment providers had already put in license applications, adding that the time it would take to issue the licenses was unclear.

South Point A Major Player

One such license request was from South Point Hotel Casino and Spa. Owner Michael Gaughan already operates an online free-play poker website, allowing players to win noncash and cash prizes which include South Point casino trips, where winners can indulge in love poker events. However, Mr. Gaughan has said that he believes intrastate gambling will not be possible for many states with small populations, especially Nevada. Here, online poker rooms would not be able to create enough money for viability, making interstate gambling vital.

Online Gambling Uncertainty

There remains a huge amount of uncertainly surrounding online gambling legislation in the US, even when it comes to intrastate possibilities. Whilst the DoJ’s latest remarks may have been welcomed by many gambling authorities, there remains a long way to go before operations become available for consumer use. And, though many may have seen fit to put through bills to get online operations working as quickly as possible, it may be many months before anything materializes.

After ‘Black Friday’ in 2011 put pay to many online casinos operations, there has been a huge and dramatic turn of events in the USA for online gambling. Many establishments were caught up in the fraudulent activities, leading them to be taken offline and for huge numbers of people to lose all confidence in the online system. However, as casinos around the world begin to revive their table game options, New Jersey has revealed that it is once again going to push its efforts to legalize online gambling.

New Jersey Renews Online Gambling Attempts

In 2011, New Jersey was set to be one of the first US states to regulate and legalize online gambling after the Senate and the Assembly agreed and passed an appropriate bill. However, Governor Chris Christie stepped in and vetoed the bill, stopping the legalization process in its tracks. New Jersey seems not to have lost its enthusiasm for the bill though, and officials from the state are still looking for ways in which they can allow residents to access online gambling facilities.

DoJ Change of Policy

One of 2011’s key persons on pushing through the bill, Senator Ray Lesniak, revealed that a new change in the US Department of Justice (DoJ) gambling policy means that there may be certain advantages which can be taken. The change means that the law will not be broken via intrastate online casino gambling, offering individual states the chance to begin their own gambling practices. And, with no time to waste, Senator Lesniak has revealed that he intends to get a bill in front of Governor Christie within the next few weeks.

Lesniak’s Bill

Senator Lesniak’s bill was first introduced during August 2011 after Governor Christie raised concerns over online gambling. New additions were created, including a $1,000 fine per player per day for individuals who were found to be using online gambling operations which were illegal. An additional $10,000 fine was applicable for advertising of such operations. Meanwhile, the only people able to utilize the New Jersey online gambling websites would have to be state residents, over 21 years old and physically within the boundaries of the state to be able to actually place wagers at online casinos. The carefully developed bill is expected to find support in all areas, with a number of steps to ensure that customer and casino safety is kept. Online gambling licensees would have to pay $20m a year for the first three years to subsidize the horse racing tracks, whilst $100,000 of revenue would fund compulsive gambling programs. Revenues would also see tax increased from the 8per cent on land casino revenue, to 10per cent, whilst players would be able to set limits on maximum bets or losses over a certain time to help minimize problem gamblers. With the bill set to be voted upon during January there is no clear indication whether Governor Christie will accept the bill, but New Jersey are hoping that they can become one of the first states to offer legalized online gambling.

New Table Games for Omni Casino

Whilst bills and legislation processes continue to rumble in the US as state’s try and push measures to legalize online gambling, Omni Casino has revealed that it is to bring back a number of popular table games. After Black Friday, table games in particular suffered online, with popular land casino games such as poker disappearing from online venues. However, Omni Casino has sought to correct this, revealing that it was bring back Let-Them-Ride, Casino War and Three-Card Poker.

Three-Card Poker

Named Poker Three, three-card poker has returned to Omni Casino. It involves ‘Pair Plus’ and ‘Ante and Play’; two independently played games within the Poker Three game itself. Players can participate in both games at the same time, or choose to play just one, offering interesting gaming whether people are starting out or are seasoned enthusiasts. During Pair Plus, player’s first place wagers before the cards are dealt. If dealt cards then fall into the Pair Plus hand rankings, wagers is won accordingly, with payouts even money for pairs and increasing to 40 to 1 if players receive a straight flush. Meanwhile, the Ante and Play option sees players place an ante wager before the cards are dealt. Players can then fold at this time or place an additional bet by calling. Qualification by the dealer needs a Queen or more, and if the dealer does not have these, the ante wins 1 to 1. If dealers do qualify, payouts are determined on highest rank hands.

Casino War

Casino War is an online casino table game which is easily learned and played. Both the player and dealer draw a card, and if the player card is higher, even money is won. Likewise, if the dealers card is higher, the player wager is lost. However, if the cards are equal, the player can either lose half their bet by surrendering, or go to war. In this exciting component of the game, two cards are once again drawn. If the dealer’s card is higher then both bets are lost. However, if the player’s card is equal to or higher than the dealers, then even money is won on the raise and the original bet is returned.

Table Games Set to Increase

Whilst slots have become a popular pastime for many people due to the unavailability of table games over the past few months and years, table games are once again set to increase as more casinos’ bring the traditional games from land casinos online. With Black Friday becoming an important, but past point in the online casinos history, many venues will be looking to once again start up their table game wagering facilities to draw fans of the games into their online casinos. Meanwhile, with changes in DoJ policy offering means to circumnavigate previous gambling restrictions, and many state’s looking to take advantage, 2012 may see numerous U.S states start offering intrastate gambling opportunities for those wanting to play online.